Offensive Snap Review for the New York Jets

To say the New York Jets were inconsistent on offense in 2011 would be an understatement.

But while moving so many players in and out may seem like a recipe for further inconsistency, at least the Jets are being proactive in terms of finding new, better fits for their offense.

The Jets will be trying to get back to a heavy emphasis on the running game, and that will also shake things up from last season.

How the snap counts break down will be a reflection on how the coaching staff feels about each player. But in order to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been.

With help from stats website Pro Football Focus, we'll take a look at the Jets' offensive snap counts from 2011 and what they may (or may not) mean for the 2012 season and going forward.

Running Backs

Who's Going Up?

With running back LaDainian Tomlinson no longer with the team, the Jets are in the market to replace 424 snaps (37.6 percent of the team total). 

Running back Shonn Greene (578 snaps, 51.2 percent) could see an increased workload with new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano in the fold. He will implement a ground-and-pound style of offense that will play into Greene's strengths and will afford him every opportunity to carry the load for the Jets.

Fullback John Conner (378 snaps, 33.5 percent) stands to earn more playing time as a result of the new scheme as well. He has been an effective old-school fullback, and more running plays will mean more opportunities for Conner to put his skills as a lead blocker to work.

Who's Going Down?

LT's departure leaves a substantial void in the backfield, and the Jets have plenty of players on the roster who could earn an increased workload, but with the addition of Terrance Ganaway through the draft, there are still only so many snaps to go around.

One name to watch is running back Joe McKnight; he has contributed on special teams since joining the league in 2010, but he has yet to play a significant role in the backfield. If he doesn't earn more snaps this year, that could be a bad sign for his career trajectory.

Other Takeaways

As mentioned earlier, Sparano was a welcomed addition for the running backs because he will play a big role in giving the running backs more opportunities to contribute. The Dolphins had a successful running game on Sparano's watch, which has instilled faith in the Jets' ability to get back to the ground-and-pound.

Wide Receivers

Who's Going Up?

After playing just 320 snaps in 2011 (28.4 percent), wide receiver Jeremy Kerley could get an increased workload. History has shown that Mark Sanchez does much better with receivers after he's had some time to develop rapport with them. With a full offseason program for Kerley and more time together at Jets West, the chemistry between the QB and WR could build quickly.

Who's Going Down?

With wide receivers Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason gone, the Jets are trying to replace 1,059 total snaps between the two. That likely means no one will lose playing time from 2011 to 2012. But if I had to pick one, I'd go with wide receiver Patrick Turner (193 snaps, 17.1 percent).

A best friend of Sanchez's from childhood, Turner's playing time was on the rise in 2011, but with several additions—such as Chaz Schilens and Stephen Hill—it could be hard for Turner to earn more reps.

Other Takeaways

There's a lot of potential in this group, but only a couple of the names in the group have experience with Sanchez. Watch out for a heated camp battle as everyone fights for playing time to earn some experience with Sanchez.

Offensive Line

Who's Going Up?

Offensive tackle Vlad Ducasse (97 snaps) hasn't earned much playing time in the past few seasons (mainly because he hasn't been very good), but there may be an opportunity for him to emerge at right tackle (more on that later). Head coach Rex Ryan already came out and said Ducasse was having a good offseason and camp, so watch out for him to be on the snap count come-up.

Who's Going Down?

If all goes well for the Jets and Sanchez, right tackle Wayne Hunter (1,122 snaps, 99.5 percent) will see fewer snaps in 2012 than he did in 2011. He was among the worst starting right tackles in the league, giving up 11 sacks on Sanchez and wasn't much more impressive in the running game.

If the Jets are going to get more out of their offense, that may start with someone stepping up to replace Hunter.

Other Takeaways

Apart from Hunter, left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, left guard Brandon Moore and right guard Matt Slauson all played virtually every snap. Expect that to continue in 2012.

Erik Frenz is the AFC East lead blogger for Bleacher Report. Be sure to follow Erik on Twitter and "like" the AFC East blog on Facebook to keep up with all the updates.